Burleigh County Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Burleigh County, North Dakota has a population of about 98,458. The median age is 37.7 years. Gender distribution is nearly equal with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. The racial and ethnic makeup is 88.7% White, 4.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 2.2% identifying as two or more races; 2.3% are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Burleigh County Elections

Burleigh County, ND, hosts around 66,000 residents, with over 44,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, including city, county, state, and federal contests. In the 2020 general election, Burleigh voters favored Republicans, with Donald Trump securing 68% of the vote. Major polling locations include the Bismarck Event Center and Wachter Middle School. Key issues include property taxes and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Burleigh County Auditor’s office. Registered party affiliations mainly include Republican and Democratic-NPL, with Republicans holding the majority of elected county offices.

Burleigh County Housing

Burleigh County, ND, boasts a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $300,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $1,050 per month. The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, but apartments and some townhomes are available, especially in Bismarck neighborhoods like Sunrise and Highland Acres. The property market has seen steady appreciation, averaging 5% annually. Property taxes average 1.25% of assessed value. Neighborhoods range from historic downtown areas to expanding suburban developments, offering diverse options for residents.

Employment in Burleigh County

As of 2023, Burleigh County, ND, had an employment rate of approximately 67%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (19%), retail trade (12%), and public administration (11%). Common occupations are office and administrative support (14%) and management roles (12%). Over 81% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 17 minutes. Most employees (96%) work within North Dakota, primarily in Bismarck, which serves as a regional employment hub.

Education in Burleigh County

Burleigh County, ND, has over 30 public schools, including 4 high schools, serving around 13,000 students. Approximately 94% of adults hold a high school diploma, and about 34% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools in the Bismarck Public School District score above the state average, with average test scores around 65-70%. The county offers robust adult education and vocational programs. School safety measures meet state standards, and programs include STEM, Advanced Placement, and special education services, ensuring comprehensive educational opportunities for residents of all ages.

Burleigh County Crime & Safety

Burleigh County, ND, reports a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the overall crime rate was approximately 18.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crime at 2.1 and property crime at 16.4 per 1,000. The county has seen a slight decrease in both property and violent crimes over the past five years. Law enforcement agencies actively encourage community reporting, and clearance rates for solved cases stand at around 30%. Overall, Burleigh County remains relatively safe, with crime rates below the national median.